Williams will play the role of merry murderous Roxie Hart beginning Feb. 8 at the Ambassador Theatre. The singing actress, who played the same role in the London production of the Kander and Ebb hit, will perform on Broadway through March 28. She will succeed Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

Williams has previously appeared onstage in the title role of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida on Broadway and in the national tour of The Color Purple in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco, playing the role of blues singer Shug Avery. She released her solo debut album in 2002, "Heart to Yours," which charted as the best-selling gospel album of that year and spawned the single "Heard a Word." She also released "Do You Know" in 2004 and "Unexpected” in 2008. In 2004, she also reunited with Knowles and Rowland to make a fourth Destiny's Child studio album, "Destiny Fulfilled," that was followed by a world tour, after which they officially disbanded. On TV, Williams has appeared in "Half & Half," and on the reality TV show "Celebrity Duets."

Chicago won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.

Chicago plays the Ambassador Theatre, located at 219 West 49th Street.

Visit www.ChicagoTheMusical.com for more information.